129th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 971 LR 732(02)
An Act To Encourage the Purchase and Sale of Locally Grown and Raised Crops and Products
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Fiscal Note
Current biennium cost increase - Other Special Revenue Funds
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This resolve directs the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) to establish a Speciality Crops Certification Cost-share pilot program beginning in fiscal year 2018-19 and ending in fiscal year 2022-23. The pilot program would provide an initial one-time reimbursement to qualified farms of up to $500 for the cost of certification of specialty crops under the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service, "Good Agricultural Practices" and "Good Handling Practices" voluntary audit programs. ACF has indicated that limiting reimbursement to initial one-time payments will keep the cost of the pilot program within existing resources and no funding is included in the bill.